Big Cypress Basin Completes Infrastructure Project to Improve Regional Water Management

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. - Members of the Big Cypress Basin (BCB) Board including Chair Charlette Roman celebrated the completion of the Lake Trafford Tower Project.

This new infrastructure project improves regional water management in Collier County by enabling real-time data transmission, monitoring, and operations, ensuring a timely response to changing water levels during normal and emergency operations.

2026 Florida Python Challenge™ Dates and Registration is Now Open

Mark your calendars — the annual Florida Python Challenge™ is back for 2026! Kicking off on Friday, July 10 at 12:01 a.m., and running until Sunday, July 19 at 5 p.m., registered participants in this year’s Challenge will get the chance to win a share of $25,000 in prizes while removing invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades and raising awareness about nonnative species.

SFWMD Proclaims May 17-23 as Water Reuse Week

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. - Today, the South Florida Water Management District (District) proclaimed May 17-23, 2026, as Water Reuse Week. The District highlighted the importance of developing alternative water supplies to meet the growing demand on our traditional groundwater and surface water sources.

Florida is a national leader in water reuse, reusing over 950 million gallons per day of reclaimed water to conserve freshwater supplies and recharge our freshwater resources.

SFWMD Eases Watering Restrictions in Northeastern Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - The South Florida Water Management District (District) eased stringent water restrictions from a Modified Phase IV Water Shortage Order to a Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order in a designated area of northeastern Cape Coral in Lee County. These restrictions apply to residents and businesses that use private wells accessing the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer for irrigation.

Submit Written Comments on the Draft 2026 Upper East Coast Water Supply Plan Update

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is encouraging our partners, stakeholders, and the public to provide written comments on the DRAFT versions of Chapters 1, 2, 3 and Appendix A of the 2026 Upper East Coast (UEC) Water Supply Plan Update. 

The plan assesses current and projected water needs in the Upper East Coast Water Supply Planning Area through 2050. The planning area includes all of Martin and St. Lucie counties, and the northeastern portion of Okeechobee County. 

Read the draft documents:

Governor Ron DeSantis Celebrates Major Milestone in Everglades Restoration with Full Execution of Accelerated EAA Reservoir Contracts

SOUTH BAY, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to announce that all federally funded contracts for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir have been fully executed, marking a major step forward in accelerating one of the most critical components of Everglades Restoration.

New Email Updates for Water Utility Partners

The South Florida Water Management District (District) is now providing updates via email subscription to water utility partners. These emails include relevant information related to water supply and water utilities. These updates are being provided for your awareness and informational purposes only.

To sign-up for the District's updates, visit our email signup page. Enter your email address and check the “Water Utilities” box.